Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 12

Thread: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    20

    Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    So I started a thread awhile back about getting a hold of a Toyo/Omega 45F, which arrived with knobs broken off each of the standards.

    The conclusion of that story was that I filed a claim with the post office, and recouped a percentage of the price paid. Outcome acceptable.

    So now I'm looking to either replace the standards, or come up with another solution.

    Looking around *youknowwhere* I'm seeing a lot of great cameras in my price range, almost always without back, lens, lensboard, sometimes bellows.

    So my question is, I've got a perfectly good camera, minus standards. Will toyo/omega boards/backs fit the cameras of any other manufacturer? It's a real crap shoot finding replacement toyo standards or even a toyo kit to use with my current stuff at my current budget for this endevour.

  2. #2
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Northern Virginia
    Posts
    5,614

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    Quote Originally Posted by gilhoy View Post
    Will toyo/omega boards/backs fit the cameras of any other manufacturer? It's a real crap shoot finding replacement toyo standards or even a toyo kit to use with my current stuff at my current budget for this endevour.
    I don't think so. There are some compatibilities in the large-format camera world--Horseman uses Sinar boards and bellows connections on some of their cameras, the Shen-Hao XPO uses Sinar boards and bellows, and many camera makers use Technika boards--but in general the only cross-platform standards I can think of are the Graflok/International back and the film-holder accommodation. Oh, and the 3/8-16 tripod thread.

    Rick "thinking complete cameras are pretty cheap these days" Denney

  3. #3
    Octogenarian
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Frisco, Texas
    Posts
    3,532

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    Toyo/Omega 45F lens boards will fit the Toyo View cameras, and the backs will fit the Toyo field cameras. Not likely that they can be interchanged with other brands.

    Look for a Toyo/Omega 45D, 45E, or 45F, that's missing lens boards or backs. They can be purchased very reasonably. I was able to locate one at KEH that was being sold for parts for $35.

    You can use the salvageable parts on your 45F to create one useable camera.

  4. #4
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Ottawa, Canada
    Posts
    6,286

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    Gem is spot on; you can very easily make a fully-loaded camera from parts of any of the ones he listed.
    In your case, do not consider the Toyo G, as not all G parts will fit the other (earlier) Toyo lines.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    20

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    Quote Originally Posted by Gem Singer View Post
    Toyo/Omega 45F lens boards will fit the Toyo View cameras, and the backs will fit the Toyo field cameras. Not likely that they can be interchanged with other brands.

    Look for a Toyo/Omega 45D, 45E, or 45F, that's missing lens boards or backs. They can be purchased very reasonably. I was able to locate one at KEH that was being sold for parts for $35.

    You can use the salvageable parts on your 45F to create one useable camera.
    I've seen D's and E's priced to my liking, but I'm under the impression that the bellows are not user-removable? I'm currently sitting on a very nice bag bellows from my broken F that I'd really like to be able to use with whatever replacement parts I end up buying.

  6. #6
    Octogenarian
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Frisco, Texas
    Posts
    3,532

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    gilhoy,

    Toyo/Omega cameras did not have interchangeable bellows until the 45F was introduced. It was the first (and the last) Toyo/Omega to use interchangeable bellows.

    In order to easily make use of your bag bellows, you need to find another 45F.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    20

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    That's kind of what I thought would happen. I'll probably buy a complete (but lensless) 45F kit with a standard bellows. It's always good to have spare parts.

    Thanks Gem, and thanks all

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    1,015

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    I've spent too much money trying to fix a Toyo 45G, I should have just bought another one. Parts from Toyo are still available but are pretty ridiculously priced. And then I've found borderline impossible to install.

  9. #9
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Ottawa, Canada
    Posts
    6,286

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    Quote Originally Posted by Gem Singer View Post
    gilhoy,

    Toyo/Omega cameras did not have interchangeable bellows until the 45F was introduced. It was the first (and the last) Toyo/Omega to use interchangeable bellows.

    In order to easily make use of your bag bellows, you need to find another 45F.
    My D had interchangeable bellows; I had regular and bag bellows for it, as well as a 5x7 back; very modular system.

  10. #10
    Octogenarian
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Frisco, Texas
    Posts
    3,532

    Re: Modular rail cameras - Compatible parts between manufacturers?

    Ari,

    Was your camera a Toyo/Omega 45D, or was it a Toyo D?

Similar Threads

  1. Fasteners / Parts of wooden cameras
    By robin willey in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 8-Mar-2005, 02:14
  2. Cutting parts for cameras
    By Mike Cockerham in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 30-Sep-2004, 08:37
  3. Arca-Swiss or Shen-Hao
    By darren in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 2-Aug-2004, 07:30
  4. A response to Ken Hough's posting regarding business practices
    By Christopher M. Perez in forum Announcements
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 5-May-2002, 15:09
  5. Gowland and Toho field cameras
    By Brian Breczinski in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 8-Jun-1998, 08:06

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •